Horse racing, an age-old sport steeped in tradition, is now at the cusp of a digital revolution, thanks to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. The sport that what seems like stayed the same for decades, is quite the opposite behind the scenes.
Horse racing as an industry, is very technologically-forward and has always pushed innovations in the sport despite being focused on history and heritage.
From AI sensors that will make the sport safer for all participants, to thermographic cameras, and of course cryptocurrencies.
Now let’s get one thing straight. There isn’t a single industry that hasn’t been impacted by cryptocurrencies and blockchain. After all, we are talking about a $1.77 trillion market cap if we combine all the popular currencies.
This means that the money flowing into these assets and the adoption of blockchain technology can have a drastic economic impact on certain industries, including horse racing.
But, what does this mean for the sport’s economics? Let’s saddle up and explore!
The Economic Impact of Cryptocurrencies on Horse Racing
Cryptocurrencies can be introduced in horse racing (and are already are), in several different ways. The beauty of blockchain technology lies in the still not fully explored waters. This means that cryptocurrencies can generate additional revenue streams for the sport, and continue to do that by constant innovations and bringing something new.
As of now, there are several different ways that this technology can impact horse racing’s economy, such as:
Cryptocurrency and Betting
Faster Transactions, Better Odds
One of the most apparent impacts of cryptocurrency in horse racing is in betting. And since betting plays an important role in horse racing’s economy, it means that cryptocurrencies will unlock new money flows into the industry.
But how will this overhaul the current betting process?
Cryptocurrency transactions are near-instant, which is a stark contrast to the snail-paced traditional methods. This speedy process not only caters to the impatience of bettors but also offers better odds and payouts due to lower transaction costs.
Attracting a New Breed of Bettors
Crypto betting appeals to tech-savvy individuals who prefer the innovative nature of cryptocurrencies over traditional betting systems.
Nowadays, the traditional betting process still works but fans want something new.
Crypto betting has brought a fresh wave of bettors who value transparency and fairness, thanks to the immutable nature of blockchain technology.
Plus, you don’t have to learn anything new. If you are familiar with the traditional betting terms, the process is pretty much the same as traditional betting.
You can learn more about horse racing betting terms here: https://www.twinspires.com/betting-terms/
The NFT Revolution
Tokenizing Racehorses
The introduction of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) has revolutionized horse ownership. If we go back only a few years ago, owning a racehorse was unimaginable for most fans, but now all of us can enter the world of horse racing through NFTs.
Yes, you heard that right, anyone can own parts of an actual racehorse or a virtual one through NFTs, democratizing the ownership and bringing in new investment avenues.
Speaking of virtual horses, we have another segment that might boost the entire horse racing economy.
Digital Horse Racing
Imagine owning, breeding, and racing digital horses on platforms like Zed Run or MyRacehorse. This concept, a blend of real-world horse racing dynamics and digital platforms, is not just a fad. It’s an expanding universe that merges passion with digitalization.
The best thing about this technology is that allows fans to enter the professional world of horse racing, and earn money through races, breeding, trading, and more. – It is just like the real deal.
But there is a hidden benefit from virtual horse racing. Fans will be drawn to the sport more if they get a glimpse of what is like to become a racehorse owner. More horse racing fans equals more money in the industry.
The Globalization Effect
Cryptocurrency has bulldozed the traditional barriers of international horse ownership. The ease of cross-border transactions has invited a global audience to participate in horse racing, creating a melting pot of cultures and investments in the sport.
A few years ago, it was impossible to place a bet or watch a racehorse from a place where the sport wasn’t really popular. However, with cryptocurrencies, you can place a bet on every horse race you want from every corner of the world.
Blockchain in Breeding
The use of blockchain in horse breeding has simplified transactions and provided a transparent, tamper-proof ledger of a horse’s genetic history. This transparency is crucial in an industry where pedigree is everything.
In a few years’ time, we might see the pedigree of a horse attached to the blockchain and its entire bloodline. This will be easily accessible and the process of selling the breeding rights might go through the blockchain.
Sponsorship and Marketing
Cryptocurrencies and blockchain companies are beginning to sponsor horse racing events, introducing a new era of marketing. This symbiotic relationship benefits both the sport and the crypto brands, creating a win-win scenario.
Job Opportunities
The digital transformation has opened new career paths in the horse racing industry. As of now, there are more than 21,000 people employed on horse racing tracks in the US alone. We still have vets, trainers, jockeys, maintenance and more.
So, we are talking about a big industry, that is about to grow even bigger.
From blockchain developers to digital asset managers, the sector is no longer just about having a nose for horses, but also a knack for nodes.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the integration of cryptocurrency in horse racing paints a rosy picture, it’s not without challenges. Regulatory hurdles, technological understanding, and acceptance among traditionalists are some of the obstacles. However, the potential benefits – increased transparency, global participation, and technological innovation – make this a race worth betting on.
Read also: Things to Look for in a Good Cryptocurrency Savings Account
Final Words
The infusion of cryptocurrency into horse racing is not just a fleeting trend. It’s a sturdy steed leading the sport into a renaissance of sorts.
The global horse racing market is currently valued at around $396 billion, and experts predict that it will reach $812 billion by 2030. This is a CAGR of 8.93%. Who knows, maybe infusing the sport with crypto and blockchain technology can boost its performance, unlock new revenue streams that were not possible before, and grow even more.
Nobody can predict what will happen in the future, but this is for sure. We still haven’t scratched the surface of blockchain technology and already has a big impact on the sport.
As we witness the blend of tradition and modernity, one thing is clear – the future of horse racing, backed by blockchain, is as exhilarating as a photo finish at the Kentucky Derby.